HC Deb 20 October 1971 vol 823 cc698-9
8. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications if he will make a statement on the progress of the Post Office's research into vandalism in telephone boxes.

9. Mr. Tilney

asked the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications whether he will give a general direction to the Post Office to ensure that a greater proportion of public telephones is maintained in order.

Mr. Chataway

The Post Office assures me that it is progressively introducing countermeasures to make kiosks less vulnerable to damage, and research into further measures is continuing. It is also doing all it can to maintain kiosks in working order. A general direction would not be appropriate.

Mr. Dalyell

What are the counter-measures and how much are they costing?

Mr. Chataway

I am afraid that I do not have a figure from the Post Office of the costs involved. However, about one-third of the 75,600 telephone kiosks that exist have so far been fitted with strengthened equipment and about another 2,000 new-type kiosks have been installed.

Mr. Tilney

Is my right hon. Friend aware that at times during the Recess seven-eighths of all the public telephones at Euston Station were out of order? Is not this state of affairs extremely bad not only for the people of this country but for visitors?

Mr. Chataway

I entirely agree with my hon. Friend. It is extremely important to counter vandalism by every means possible—though the national figure for the proportion of kiosks out of use is much smaller than that quoted by my hon. Friend.

Mr. Crawshaw

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered making a payment to shopkeepers—other than those with postal premises—who are prepared to put telephone kiosks in their shops? They would be available only during shop hours, but they would represent an improvement on the present state of affairs, especially in places like Liverpool, where it is possible to search for miles without finding a telephone in working order.

Mr. Chataway

I will ensure that the Post Office considers that suggestion.

Mr. Edward Taylor

Does my right hon. Friend agree that the siting of telephone kiosks can help to reduce vandalism? Will he consult local authorities to see that telephone kiosks are placed at the base of multi-storey flats and other public places which are less subject to vandalism?

Mr. Chataway

I agree with my hon. Friend. The Post Office is paying increasing attention to the siting of kiosks to minimise the risk of vandalism.